Most dioxin emissions caused by domestic fires

The vast majority of dioxin emissions - the carcinogenic micro-particles present in waste - are generated by "uncontrolled combustion activities", mostly domestic fires, according to a report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) yesterday.

The report found that 73 per cent of all dioxins estimated to be present in 2000 were emitted by uncontrolled combustion activities, with domestic fires in which waste was burnt accounting for 58 per cent of emissions. Accidental building fires accounted for 11 per cent, while sewage sludge accounted for a 2 per cent.

By comparison, the Republic's nine incinerators contributed just 0.015 per cent of emissions. The total dioxin emissions were estimated at 93 grammes.

The report, entitled An Inventory of Dioxin and Furan Emissions to Air, Land and Water in Ireland for 2000 and 2010, also estimated the amount of dioxins likely to be emitted in 2000 and predicted the amount for 2010.

It predicted that total dioxin emissions would increase from 93 grammes to 110 grammes in 2010, 17 per cent of which would then account for the regional waste incinerator programme. However the director general of the EPA, Dr Mary Kelly, said the bulk of these dioxins would be contained in incinerator ash which would have to be managed under controlled conditions at a licensed landfill facility.

The proposed incinerators would contribute 2 per cent of the projected dioxins in the air in 2010, while dioxins in sewage sludge are projected to increase to about 11 per cent of projected emissions at that time.

The sewage estimate is based on the presumption that all sewage will receive treatment by 2010. However, Dr Kelly said the estimates for sewage were ones which merited further investigation. Environmental factors, such as the lack of heavy metal industries in the Republic, might represent an ultimately different value than that available elsewhere. More research into the area was required.

Dr Kelly said the dioxin level in Ireland was generally low and even in the highest category, uncontrolled fires, emissions were so low there would be no significant risk to health.

Uncontrolled combustion activities would continue to be the largest contributor to dioxin levels in 2010, but the predicted percentage will fall to 62 per cent, according to the report.

Ms Anne Butler, of the EPA, said the estimates had been put together using a recognised UN formula, based on the best information available.

She said a new dioxin laboratory at University College Cork, funded by Government, would allow testing at source of dioxin emissions and their impact on the Irish environment.

A copy of the full report will be posted on the EPA website at www.epa.ie